In 2011, Trey Fairchild of Dublin Coffman won the Ed Sherman Award as the top receiver in the conference and was named a D3football.com All-American after catching 66 passes for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns. Tight end Gabe Shively, a senior from Gahanna, caught 21 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line will be anchored by seniors Jonathon Smith of Big Walnut and Jon Busby. The defense is led by two Olentangy graduates, senior linebacker Chad Pepper (55 tackles) and senior cornerback Anthony Korpieski. Punter Aaron Kingcade, a senior from Worthington Kilbourne, was the first-team all-conference punter (39.9-yard average).

Exclamation points

The Cardinals return 13 starters, including all three linebackers, led by Pepper.

Question marks

Doup says there is a lot of talent at running back, but senior Brock Burzanko (142 yards in 2011) is the only man with experience. Kingcade has waited his turn to become quarterback. He attempted only 12 passes last season. There will be three new starters on the offensive line.

Outlook

OAC coaches picked Otterbein to finish seventh, and that’s hard to argue. Doup is promising a more physical team that does not wither in the fourth quarter.